Tiernan Brooks

Tiernan Brooks (born 17 June 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for club Gateshead. Born in England, Brooks represents the Republic of Ireland at youth international level.

Club career
Born in Sheffield, Brooks played for Sheffield Wednesday before joining Notts County's academy. During the 2019–20 season, Brooks spent time on loan at Lincoln United. There, he impressed Lincoln chairman Rob Bradley, who described him as "the best young goalkeeper I’ve ever seen". He spent time with Worksop Town F.C. in late 2020 and August 2021, while he was sent on loan at Coalville Town in February 2022.

Brooks signed a new three-year contract with Notts County in June 2022. He then had loan spells with Hednesford Town and Boston United during the 2022–23 season. On 4 March 2023, the goalkeeper made his professional debut for Notts County in a league match against Bromley, saving a penalty eight minutes into the game. As first-choice keeper Sam Slocombe was sidelined with an injury, Brooks was given a run of games in the following weeks, including a home debut at Meadow Lane. His performances were reported to be going from "strength to strength" during this period. On 7 July 2023, Brooks signed for League of Ireland Premier Division side Cork City on loan until the end of their season in November. He made his debut on the same day, in a 1–1 draw away to St Patrick's Athletic, but he was substituted off in the 55th minute with a foot injury that would keep him out of action for several months. In January 2024, he joined National League side Rochdale on loan for the remainder of the season.

On 5 July 2024, Brooks joined National League side Gateshead on a two-year deal.

International career
Brooks took part in a training camp with England's youth national set-up at St. George's Park in December 2021. He was put on standby selection for the England under-19 national team ahead of the 2022 European Championship, which was ultimately won by the Three Lions themselves.

He later switched allegiances to represent the Republic of Ireland, thanks to his family ties in Sligo. He made his debut for the Republic of Ireland U21 team on 26 March 2023, starting in a 2–1 win against Iceland.